Kerala Hills And Backwater Tour

Kerala is the southern most state of India. The name Keralam is believed to have been origined from the word “kera” and “alam”. Kera means coconut and alam means land or location – Thus it is meant by “The Land Of Coconut Trees”. It was a part of “Thamizhagam” (present Tamil Nadu) which covered the then Chola, Chera and Pandya region. The music, dance and language of Kerala are same to that can be seen in rest of Thamizhagom. The arrival of Vasco da Gama, coming of foreign traders and invation by Portuguese defined a new cultural heritage in its people.

The mother tongue of Kerala is Malayalam and the natives are known as Malayalees. It is believed that Parasurama is the creator of Kerala. He converted a portion of sea into land by throwing his axe.

Kerala has a rich cultural heritage. Its diverse culture is influenced by three main religions of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Exquisite sculptures, music and dance forms can be seen in the historic development of Kerala’s cultural traditions. The traditions of Kathakali and Mohiniattam are highly developed art forms that have developed from their folk origins into highly evolved classical dance forms. Kathakali is a 300-year-old dance form developed exclusively in Kerala combining the performing art forms of opera, ballet, masque, and pantomime. The dance is a beautiful blending of color, dance, music, drama, and expressions. In a sense, a lot of the fame that the state has gained is mainly due to the popularity of this dance form. Other dance forms of Kerala are Krishnanattom, Mohiniyattom, Thullal, Koodiyattom, Kolkkali, Thiruvathirakali, Kakkarishi Natakom, Oppanna, and Chavittunatakom. Panchavadyam, Nadanpattu, Omanathinkal Kidavo and many more music forms have evolved over the centuries in Kerala.

Cochin- Munnar (126 kms)

Upon arrival at Cochin Airport or Ernakulam Railway Station, get assistance on all the arrival formalities and transfer to Munnar. Enjoy a four-hour scenic drive to Munnar through the hill station. En route, visit the spice plantations and Valara or Cheeyappara Falls. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 02

Munnar Sightseeing

Depart early in the morning to enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Munnar. Visit the Mattupetty Dam/Lake, Echo Point, Nursery Garden, Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park, which is famous for Nilgiri Tahr(Wild goat), Photo Point, Anamudi Peak, which is South India’s highest peak and Tata Tea Museum. In the evening, head out on spice/tea trailing at Munnar. Overnight stay will be arranged at the hotel in Munnar.

Day 03

Munnar – Alleppey (172 kms)

In the morning, proceed to Alleppey. Enjoy a 5-hour scenic drive through typical Kerala Village and paddy field. Upon arrival, check in at famous Kerala Houseboat. Savour a delicious lunch at the houseboat as you cruise through the emerald waters. Visit paddy field in Kuttanadan Region, which is the only region that cultivates rice below sea level. Enjoy the spectacular sunset and spend the night at the houseboat in Alleppey.

Day 04

Alleppey – Cochin (53kms)

Proceed to Cochin and bid farewell to the picturesque land. Transfer to Cochin Airport or Ernakulam Railway Station for your onward journey.